Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
Being an archipelagic nation opens a world of opportunities in tourism since we could have more ports, which means more entry points for tourists who want to explore our land.
This is the reason behind the move of Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina G. Frasco to highlight the Philippines as a top cruise tourism destination. For the first time in history, the Philippines bagged the title of “Asia’s Best Cruise Destination 2023” at the World Cruise Awards held in Dubai on Oct. 15, 2023.
“The Philippines’ recognition as Asia’s Best Cruise Destination complements and reaffirms our status as a must-visit destination for cruise enthusiasts. This award is not only a testament to the Philippines’ allure as a cruise destination but also a validation of the collective dedication of the tourism industry and the DOT,” Frasco said. “We are grateful that the country’s potential to offer exceptional cruise experiences is now acknowledged on a global scale.”
It could be recalled that earlier this year, Frasco reported that there are an “anticipated 139 port of calls from top cruise lines,” which signals the “readiness of the Philippines to claim the position as one of the regional cruise centers in Asia.”
Frasco announced this development when she welcomed 317 guests and 415 mix of Filipino and foreign crew aboard the Silver Spirit at the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal. The DOT ensured that guests experienced the world-renowned Filipino hospitality as well as the country’s colorful festivals. They toured the landmarks of Manila, including Intramuros and outlying destinations like Tagaytay. The voyage continued with visits to Romblon and Coron, Palawan.
“The arrival of this cruise into this port in Manila signals the resurgence of the cruise tourism industry as it is one of the first cruise ships that has docked in the Philippines. This signals confidence as well in travel and tourism into the Philippines… and we’re hopeful that this arrival may signal many more in the years to come,” the tourism chief said.
The DOT’s dedication to cruise tourism is not lip service. Frasco cited the presence of a “National Cruise Tourism Development Strategy and Action Plan,” which aims to increase cruise ship calls to various ports and islands while ensuring exceptional guest experiences and economic benefits.
“Cruise tourism is one of our priority areas of development as we look to expand our tourism portfolio to cater to all market segments,” said Frasco. “Our vision is to make the Philippines an attractive and diverse cruise destination, offering high levels of customer satisfaction and cost-effective deployment for cruise lines operating from major home ports in Asia.”
In a related development, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has unveiled plans to construct more ports dedicated to cruise tourism. These new ports in Coron, Siargao, Camiguin, Boracay, and Puerto Galera will provide cruise vessel tourists with a safe and convenient experience.
The potential of cruise tourism in the Philippines is boundless. With the average spend projected at $100 per cruise call per person, this industry promises to open up a world of opportunities for Filipino businesses, including those in catering, transportation, security, and other tourism-related services. Cruise tourism is more than just a passing trend; it is a sea of opportunity, offering numerous short- and long-term benefits to our country. The horizon is bright, and the prospects are as vast as the ocean itself.
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Credit belongs to : www.mb.com.ph
